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Baratta's Restaurant started as a grocery store in 1967 and has flourished into a citywide empire. But its original South Side location offers plenty of classic Italian dishes for lunch and dinner. Start with some stuffed mushrooms and then enjoy a classic pasta dish. For more historical Iowa photos, subscribe to the Register here: http://bit.ly/2KZwECu. Register File Photo

Stepping into Bauder's is like taking a step into the past - 1917 to be exact. Grab a seat at the counter and try the egg salad sandwich, tuna melt or the Roosevelt Special (turkey with Swiss and mustard grilled on a hoagie bun). Order a shake, sundae or flavored soda to go with your meal. In the summer you can order homemade peach or strawberry ice cream. Or go for one of the signature Bauder's peppermint-chocolate ice cream bars. Michael Zamora/The Register

Since 1950, Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant has been a family-owned Italian eatery — famous for its pizza and pasta dishes. The neighborhood mainstay offers homemade, thin-cut onion rings in several sizes, baked cavatelli with bread and salad, and Italian sausage sandwiches with cheese on Vienna bread. Try the butter-fried chicken livers. Special to the Register

The original Bordenaro's was opened in 1977 and has been a South Side pizza and pasta mainstay ever since. The original restaurant remains a long-time neighborhood favorite on S.W. 9th street, always the place to stop if you're craving anything with red sauce and a side of onion rings. Mary Willie, Des Moines Register

Food, fun and booze are the calling cards of Chicago Speakeasy, which opened in 1978. Look for prime rib, steaks, seafood, pasta, chicken, ribs, chops and sandwiches as well as a salad bar featuring more than 50 homemade items. Try one of six surf-and-turf style Mafia's Combinations with prime rib or sirloin steak and a choice of shrimp, scallops and king crab legs. Register file photo

Recently renovated, Chuck Celsi's Tavern Restaurant in Valley Junction has been serving great food and drinks to the metro since 1945. It's a tale of two families — the Rileis and the Celsis — and their recipes have been passed down for generations. Try the crunchy hand-cut deep-fried mozzarella sticks and The Italian Grinder. Or check out the legendary thin crust pizza and pasta dishes. Brian Taylor Carlson/Des Moines Register

Chuck's Restaurant was originally established in 1956 by Chuck and Elizabeth Bisignano. At this family restaurant serving Italian-American fare, keep a keen eye out for the Italian fried chicken, which is battered in Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs and spices. Or go for a hand-breaded tenderloin sandwich. Special to the Register

Donut King recently reopened two locations in the metro making its fresh, sweet doughnuts in a variety of flavors and styles including honey-dipped (glazed), chocolate-frosted, toasted coconut, long johns, pecan and chocolate rolls along with powdered and sprinkled doughnuts. But the doughnut shop had its start in 1964. Register file photo

Felix & Oscar's is one of a handful of places in Des Moines serving Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, F & O's — as it's commonly called — has been open since 1975. Go for a baked pasta dish like cavatelli with Graziano Italian sausage or meatballs. But be sure to save room for the house special dessert: a fried cookie dough sundae. For more photos from the Register’s archives, subscribe here: http://bit.ly/2KZwECu. Register file photo

Appearing in both the written works of Bill Bryson and featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive In's, and Dives, George the Chili King has been in operation since it was founded downtown in 1920 and moved to its now-classic location at the corner of Hickman and Merle Hay in 1952. George Karaidos, Jr. and his family continue to churn out endless vats of thick, saucy chili served over hot dogs and Coneys alongside massive pork tenderloins. Register file photo

Some of the most well-regarded Italian restaurants in Des Moines make sure to remind their diners in bold fonts that they're sourcing sausage and often other ingredients from Graziano Bros. on the south side. So it only makes sense that this institutional grocery that's been around since 1912 would have its own sandwich counter where they offer a variety of Italian sandwiches, hot and cold. Bill Neibergall/The Register

Proving that legends never die, this South Side taco institution weathered an oncoming car through their building at the end of 2018, but it didn't take them long to return to their mission: providing Des Moines with crispy fried tacos and unimpeachable Tex-Mex, just as Henry J's Taco House done since 1973. Eric Rowley/Juice, Eric Rowley/Juice

At Jim's Coney Island on the south side, you can enjoy hot dogs, burgers, tenderloins and fries just as the restaurant's been making them since 1971. Chili is sold here by the bowl, pint, quart or gallon. As its motto says, "Everybody Loves a Coney." Zach Boyden-Holmes/Juice

Since 1972, Americana classics like burgers and soft-serve ice cream have been featured at LJ's Burgers & Ice Cream, formerly known as Little John's. Tenderloin sandwiches are also served here. Try a mushroom and Swiss burger followed by an Avalanche — choose your favorite candy and have it blended into LJ's soft serve. Special to the Register

For more than 50 years, this landmark has been baking pies with its signature caramelized edges, and it now has a location on the DMACC Ankeny Campus for hungry college students. Create your own pizza or try one of Leaning Tower's specialty pies like the Harrington — homemade Italian sausage, pepperoni, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and zesty sauce. But don't forget about the thick-cut onion rings served with a side of house dressing and the spaghetti and meatball dinner served with garlic bread and a dinner salad. Courtesy of Kevin Harrington

In 1963, Chuck Lacona sold pizzas out of the back of a Cushman cart with use of a CB radio. And Mama Lacona's is still using the same family recipes, including a red sauce that simmers for six hours; hand-made potato focaccia; jumbo-sized cavatelli using a special machine and served classically with Des Moines' own spicy Graziano sausage; and dressings from scratch — including its popular creamy Parmesan. Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register

Maxie's Restaurant has been a Des Moines dining institution for lunch and dinner since 1967. Daily specials abound here. Enjoy the "Best of Des Moines" onion rings or some spinach-artichoke dip with crispy pita points. Choose from a variety of Maxieburgers for lunch. For a filling dinner, try The "Maxie" Special — a seasoned 7-ounce grilled sirloin served with two butterflied breaded shrimp, choice of potato, onion rings, salad and dinner roll. Register file photo

Open since 1963, The Original Jesse’s Embers is known for steak and seafood. Diners can watch as their food is cooked on the open flame grill. Open for lunch and dinner, order the Emberburger (1/2 pound sirloin beef patty), the open pit French dip, filet mignon or the "Deena's Slippers" — beer battered lobster tails. Register file photo

Located off the Great Western Trail, Orlondo's On Park Bar & Grill has been serving pizza, pasta and sandwiches to hungry diners since 1978. Try the cavatelli with red sauce and mozzarella. Or share a 16-inch Orlondo's Combo pizza with sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, onion and sweet roasted peppers. Rachel Mummey/The Register

Pagliai's Pizza had its roots in Iowa in 1957, with "tomato tarts" being sold in a bar in Ames. That tradition is carried on by the family in Pagliai's menu consisting of starters, salads, calzones, pasta, sandwiches, and, of course, pizza in thin crust, double crust, or pan styles in three sizes. For something different, go for the Italian stroganoff with sliced ribeye, red peppers and mushrooms served over wide noodles. Pagliai's Pizza/Special to the Register

El Patio Mexican Restaurant first opened in Valley Junction in 1942 and a resident of Ingersoll avenue since 1951, El Patio is one of Des Moines' oldest Mexican restaurants. With its comfortable summer patio, this is the place to relax with some margaritas and blue corn enchiladas. Zach Boyden-Holmes/Register file photo

Polito's La Pizza House opened in 1952 as Russ & Abbie's La Pizza House on Des Moines' south side. People could watch the pizza being made and the restaurant quickly becomes a place where local high school and community sports teams gathered. Enjoy homemade thin crust pizza, fried chicken dinners and baked cavatelli dinners. Holly McQueen/Des Moines Register

Since 1964, Riccelli's Italian Restaurant has been serving Italian-American food in Des Moines' south side. Steak de Burgo can be found here, along with sandwiches, salads, appetizers, pasta dishes and seafood. Onion rings are the thing here. But don't forget about the 8- or 10-ounce prime rib special served on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Register file photo

Rice Bowl Restaurant began serving Cantonese-style cuisine to hungry diners in Beaverdale in 1963. And it is still family owned and operated today. Known for its egg rolls and fried rice, don't forget to try other Cantonese specialties like et and sour, shrimp with lobster sauce and bean sprout chop suey with mushrooms. Register file photo

Since 1973, Scornovacca's Ristorante has been serving up pizzas made with Mama V’s secret family recipes as well as homemade Italian sausage, meatballs, onion rings and cheese sticks. Chow down on a homemade sausage and capicola sandwich served on Vienna bread with red sauce and mozzarella. Scott Morgan/Special to Juice, Scott Morgan/Special to Juice

Smitty's Tenderloin Shop has been serving its larger-than-life loin sandwiches since 1967 in varieties such as vegetable, chili-cheese, taco and, of course, the classic king. Now in its third generation of family ownership, not much on the menu has changed over the years. You can still enjoy burgers, sandwiches, side orders, shakes and malts. Susan Stapleton/The Register

Though the first Tasty Tacos location on Easton Boulevard is gone, this local chain has cemented its place in the hearts of Des Moines' residents since 1961. The unmistakable fluffy flour taco shell filled with a choice of ground beef, bean, chicken, steak or pork with shredded lettuce and cheese is a favorite. Register file photo

As the name suggests, you can get Coney Island dogs at Ted’s Coney Island, established in 1955. You can also get gyros, Grecian grilled chicken sandwiches and burgers. Baskets will fill you up — they include fries, onion rings and coleslaw. Rodney White/Register file photo

Originally opening in 1947, Tursi's Latin King didn’t add Tursi’s to the name until 1983 when the restaurant sold to a new family. But the original family and the current one hail from Terravecchia, Italy. Enjoy family-style dishes including several cuts of steak. Or go authentic Italian with the chicken spiedini, pepper steak with garlic mashed potatoes or pasta with homemade meatballs. Much of Latin King's produce is grown on the property. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Des Moines is full of places where you can grab a meal and enjoy a bit of history.

Some of the places you eat at most often just might be among the city's oldest still-operating eateries. Nothing says quality like longevity.

Only restaurants established in the 1970s or before made this list of Des Moines landmarks.

Baratta's Restaurant

Established in 1967

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Baratta's, located at 2320 S. Union Street, was a grocery story and a home to the Baratta family in 1958. But is has been a restaurant since 1967.(Photo: Register File Photo)

What started as a grocery store has flourished into a citywide empire under the stewardship of current 4th Ward Councilman Joe Gatto and his co-owners. But its original south side location offers plenty of classic Italian dishes for lunch and dinner. Start with some homemade fried ravioli and then enjoy Amaggio, your choice of meat or fish with pasta and Amaggio sauce made with olive oil, white wine, lemon juice, garlic and basil.

Bauder's

The peppermint bar from Bauder's is an Iowa State Fair staple and are all made at the Bauder's store on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines (Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017). (Photo: Michael Zamora/The Register)

Stepping into Bauder's is like taking a step into the past - 1917 to be exact. Grab a seat at the counter and try the egg salad sandwich, tuna melt or the Roosevelt Special (turkey with Swiss and mustard grilled on a hoagie bun). Order a shake, sundae or flavored soda to go with your meal. In the summer you can order homemade peach or strawberry ice cream. Or go for one of the signature Bauder's peppermint-chocolate ice cream bars. Donut King donuts are also sold here.

Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant

Established in 1950

Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant in Des Moines serves Italian-American fare.(Photo: Special to the Register)

Since 1950, Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant has been a family-owned Italian eatery — famous for its pizza and pasta dishes. The neighborhood mainstay offers homemade, thin-cut onion rings in several sizes, baked cavatelli with bread and salad, and Italian sausage sandwiches with cheese on Vienna bread. Try the butter-fried chicken livers.

Bordenaro's

The original Bordenaro's was opened in 1977 and has been a south side pizza and pasta mainstay ever since. Though the Drake neighborhood outpost Bordy's recently closed, the original restaurant remains a longtime neighborhood favorite on Southwest Ninth street, always the place to stop if you're craving anything with red sauce and a side of onion rings.

Chicago Speakeasy

Established in 1978

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Food, fun and booze are the calling cards of Chicago Speakeasy, which opened in 1977. Look for prime rib, steaks, seafood, pasta, chicken, ribs, chops and sandwiches as well as a salad bar featuring more than 50 homemade items. Try one of six surf-and-turf style Mafia's Combinations with prime rib or sirloin steak and a choice of shrimp, scallops and king crab legs.(Photo: Register file photo)

Food, fun and booze are the calling cards of Chicago Speakeasy, which opened in 1978. Look for prime rib, steaks, seafood, pasta, chicken, ribs, chops and sandwiches as well as a salad bar featuring more than 50 homemade items. Try one of six surf-and-turf style Mafia's Combinations with prime rib or sirloin steak and a choice of shrimp, scallops and king crab legs.

Christopher’s

Established in 1963

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Christopher's is located at 2816 Beaver Ave. in Des Moines.(Photo: Register file photo)

Enjoy a full menu of appetizers, soups, salads, steaks, sandwiches, seafood, chicken, pizza and pasta classics at this family-owned Beaverdale landmark that's been around since the early 1960s. A 10-ounce prime rib special for $18 is available on Mondays, and enjoy half-price wine with the purchase of two $17 or more entrées on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Look for steak de Burgo with garlic butter cream sauce and Boursin-stuffed mushrooms.

Chuck Celsi's Tavern Restaurant

Recently renovated, Chuck Celsi's Tavern Restaurant in Valley Junction has been serving great food and drinks to the metro since 1945.(Photo: Brian Taylor Carlson/Des Moines Register)

Recently renovated, this historic restaurant in Valley Junction has been serving great food and drinks to the metro for three-quarters of a century. It's a tale of the Rilei and Celsi families and their recipes, which have been passed down for generations. Try the crunchy hand-cut deep-fried mozzarella sticks and the Italian grinder with homemade Italian sausage simmered in a special sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese and oven-baked on a fresh hoagie bun. Or check out the legendary thin crust pizza and pasta dishes. Tavern now has two locations in West Des Moines (Tavern Pizza & Pasta Grill) and a food truck.

Chuck’s Restaurant

Established in 1956

Chuck's Restaurant(Photo: Special to the Register)

This restaurant was originally established by Chuck and Elizabeth Bisignano. At this family restaurant serving Italian-American fare, you can enjoy a full line of appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, pizza, burgers and sandwiches, and Italian entrées of chicken, steaks and seafood are available. Keep a keen eye out for the Italian fried chicken, which is battered in Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs and spices served with two sides, along with the hand-breaded tenderloin sandwich.

Donut King

Established in 1964

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(Photo: Register file photo)

Donut King recently reopened two locations in the metro making its fresh, sweet doughnuts in a variety of flavors and styles including honey-dipped (glazed), chocolate-frosted, toasted coconut, long johns, pecan and chocolate rolls along with powdered and sprinkled doughnuts. But the doughnut shop had its start in 1964.

Felix & Oscar's

Established in 1975

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Felix and Oscar's is known for its authentic Chicago-style deep-pan pizza. Shown here is a medium cheese deep dish pie.(Photo: Register file photo)

One of a handful of places in Des Moines serving Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, F & O's — as it's commonly called — has been open since 1975. Go for a baked pasta dish like cavatelli with Graziano Italian sausage or meatballs, and enjoy plenty of appetizers, sandwiches and burgers. Lunch specials and a kids menu are also available. But be sure to save room for the house special dessert: a fried cookie dough sundae.

George the Chili King Drive-In

Established in 1952

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George the Chili King Drive-In.(Photo: Register file photo)

Appearing in both the written works of Bill Bryson and featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives," George the Chili King has been in operation since it was founded downtown in 1920 and moved to its now-classic location at the corner of Hickman and Merle Hay roads in 1952. George Karaidos Jr. and his family continue to churn out endless vats of thick, saucy chili served over hot dogs and Coneys alongside massive pork tenderloins.

Graziano Bros.

Established in 1912

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Need Italian ingredients? Head to Graziano Bros., which has been a Des Moines staple since 1912.(Photo: Register file photo)

Some of the most well-regarded Italian restaurants in Des Moines make sure to remind their diners in bold lettering that they're sourcing sausage — and often other ingredients — from Graziano Bros. on the south side. So it only makes sense that this institutional grocery would have its own sandwich counter where it offers a variety of Italian sandwiches, hot and cold.

Henry J's Taco House

Established in 1973

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The tacos from Henry J's in Des Moines.(Photo: Register file photo)

Proving that legends never die, this south-side taco institution weathered an oncoming car through its building at the end of 2018, but it didn't take long for the restaurant to return to its mission: providing Des Moines with crispy fried tacos and unimpeachable Tex-Mex, just as it's done for nearly 50 years.

Jim's Coney Island

Established in 1971

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A Coney Island dog and a small side of crinkle-cut fries at Jim?s Coney Island. Zach Boyden-Holmes/Juice
Zach Boyden-Holmes/Juice
Coney Island and a small side of crinkle-cut fries at JimÃ•s Coney Island April 11, 2013.(Photo: Zach Boyden-Holmes/Juice)

At Jim's Coney Island on the south side, you can enjoy hot dogs, burgers, tenderloins and fries just as the restaurant's been making them since 1971. Chili is sold here by the bowl, pint, quart or gallon. As its motto says, "Everybody Loves a Coney."

LJ's Burgers & Ice Cream

Established in 1972

LJ's Burgers & Ice Cream has opened at 3702 Second Ave. in the space formerly occupied by Little John's Burgers. Owner Derek McDaniel has kept Little John's menu but added more ice cream items.(Photo: Special to the Register)

Since 1972, Americana classics like burgers and soft-serve ice cream have been featured at LJ's Burgers & Ice Cream, formerly known as Little John's. Tenderloin sandwiches are also served here. Try a mushroom and Swiss burger followed by an Avalanche — choose your favorite candy and have it blended into LJ's soft serve.

Leaning Tower of Pizza

For more than 50 years, this landmark has been baking pies with its signature caramelized edges, and it now has a location on the DMACC Ankeny Campus for hungry college students. Create your own pizza or try one of Leaning Tower's specialty pies like the Harrington — homemade Italian sausage, pepperoni, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and zesty sauce. But don't forget about the thick-cut onion rings served with a side of house dressing and the spaghetti and meatball dinner served with garlic bread and a dinner salad.

Mama Lacona's

In 1963, Chuck Lacona sold pizzas out of the back of a Cushman cart with use of a CB radio. Fast-forward to 2019, and this restaurant is still using the same family recipes, including a red sauce that simmers for six hours; hand-made potato focaccia; jumbo-sized cavatelli using a special machine, and served classically with Des Moines' own spicy Graziano sausage; and dressings from scratch — including its popular creamy Parmesan.

Maxie's Restaurant & Lounge

This place has been a Des Moines dining institution for lunch and dinner since 1967. Daily specials abound here. Enjoy the "Best of Des Moines" onion rings or the spinach-artichoke dip with crispy pita points. Choose from a variety of Maxieburgers for lunch. For a filling dinner, try the "Maxie" Special — a seasoned 7-ounce grilled sirloin served with two butterflied breaded shrimp, choice of potato, onion rings, salad and dinner roll.

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

A Des Moines staple, the Lacona family opened Noah’s on New Year's Eve in 1946 as a lunch counter. Enjoy classic Italian dishes like veal alla mozzarella, Calabrese-style lasagna, or the fried chicken, pizza and steak. Don’t pass up the complimentary garlic knots and try to save room for a slice of the San Francisco blackout cake, lemon fantasy, coconut whiteout cake or chocolate windmill cake.

The Original Jesse’s Embers

Established in 1963

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The 16-ounce Yankee's New York strip with fries and onion rings served at Jesse's Embers.(Photo: Register file photo)

Open since 1963, Jesse’s Embers is known for steak and seafood. Diners can watch as their food is cooked on the open flame grill. Open for lunch and dinner, order the Emberburger (1/2 pound sirloin beef patty), the open pit French dip, filet mignon or the "Deena's Slippers" — beer-battered lobster tails.

Orlondo's On Park Bar & Grill

Established in 1978

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Orlondo's is an establishment located on the Great Western Trail. A recently made new trail connection allows riders to go from downtown to Gray's Lake to Carney Park to Orlondo's and beyond on the Great Western Trail in Des Moines, Sunday, July 10, 2016.(Photo: Rachel Mummey/The Register)

Located off the Great Western Trail, Orlondo's On Park Bar & Grill has been serving pizza, pasta and sandwiches to hungry diners since 1978. Try the cavatelli with red sauce and mozzarella. Or share a 16-inch Orlondo's Combo pizza with sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, onion and sweet roasted peppers.

Pagliai's Pizza

Established in 1957

A Pagliai's pizza, fresh from the oven.(Photo: Pagliai's Pizza/Special to the Register)

Pagliai's had its roots in Iowa in 1957, with "tomato tarts" being sold in a bar in Ames. That tradition is carried on by the family in Pagliai's menu consisting of starters, salads, calzones, pasta, sandwiches, and, of course, pizza in thin crust, double crust, or pan styles in three sizes. For something different, go for the Italian stroganoff with sliced ribeye, red peppers and mushrooms served over wide noodles.

El Patio Mexican Restaurant

First opened in Valley Junction in 1942 and a resident of Ingersoll Avenue since 1951, El Patio is one of Des Moines' oldest Mexican restaurants. With its comfortable summer patio, this is the place to relax with some margaritas and blue corn enchiladas.

Polito's La Pizza House

Established in 1952

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Polito's La Pizza House opened in 1952 as Russ & Abbie's La Pizza House, as shown here, on Des Moines' south side. The restaurant moved to 1440 Maury Street in 2014. People could watch the pizza being made and the restaurant quickly becomes a place where local high school and community sports teams gathered. Enjoy homemade thin crust pizza, fried chicken dinners and baked cavatelli dinners.(Photo: Holly McQueen/Des Moines Register)

Polito's La Pizza House opened in 1952 as Russ & Abbie's La Pizza House on Des Moines' south side. . People could watch the pizza being made and the restaurant quickly becomes a place where local high school and community sports teams gathered. Enjoy homemade thin crust pizza, fried chicken dinners and baked cavatelli dinners.

Riccelli's Italian Restaurant

Established in 1964

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An 8-ounce steak and a dish of ravioli at Riccelli’s.(Photo: Register file photo)

Since 1964, Riccelli's has been serving Italian-American food in Des Moines' south side. Steak de Burgo can be found here, along with sandwiches, salads, appetizers, pasta dishes and seafood. Onion rings are the thing here in small, medium and large sizes. But don't forget about the 8- or 10-ounce prime rib special served on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, served with a salad, a side of spaghetti and a choice of potato.

Rice Bowl Restaurant

Established in 1963

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Rice Bowl Restaurant began serving Cantonese-style cuisine to hungry diners in Beaverdale in 1963. And it is still family owned and operated today. Known for its egg rolls and fried rice, don't forget to try other Cantonese specialties like et and sour, shrimp with lobster sauce and bean sprout chop suey with mushrooms.(Photo: Register file photo)

Rice Bowl Restaurant began serving Cantonese-style cuisine to hungry diners in Beaverdale in 1963. And it is still family owned and operated today. Known for its egg rolls and fried rice, don't forget to try other Cantonese specialties like et and sour, shrimp with lobster sauce and bean sprout chop suey with mushrooms.

Since 1973, the loosely translated “scorned cow” has been serving up Scorno’s pizzas made with Mama V’s secret family recipes as well as homemade Italian sausage, meatballs, onion rings and cheese sticks. Chow down on a homemade sausage and capicola sandwich served on Vienna bread with red sauce and mozzarella.

Smitty's Tenderloin Shop

Established in 1967

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Smitty's has served breaded pork tenderloins to the south side of Des Moines since 1967.(Photo: Susan Stapleton/The Register)

Smitty's Tenderloin Shop has been serving its larger-than-life loin sandwiches since 1967 in varieties such as vegetable, chili-cheese, taco and, of course, the classic king. Now in its third generation of family ownership, not much on the menu has changed over the years. You can still enjoy burgers, sandwiches, side orders, shakes and malts.

Taco Casa

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The number one sampler at Taco Casa in Des Moines is a plate packed full of nachos, a beef taco and a cheese enchilada. Eric Rowley/Juice(Photo: Eric Rowley/Juice)

Established in 1973

With its homemade sauces and corn and refried beans made in-house, Taco Casa has been serving its Mexican food favorites in the metro since 1973. From tacos to burritos to fajitas and nachos, it's all here — including burgers. Another Taco Casa location can be found in Okoboji.

Tasty Tacos

Though the first location on Easton Boulevard is gone, this local chain has cemented its place in the hearts of Des Moines residents. The unmistakable fluffy flour taco shell filled with a choice of ground beef, bean, chicken, steak or pork with shredded lettuce and cheese is a favorite.

Ted's Coney Island

As the name suggests, you can get Coney Island dogs at Ted’s Coney Island, established in 1955. You can also get gyros, Grecian grilled chicken sandwiches and burgers. Baskets will fill you up — they include fries, onion rings and coleslaw.

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

Latin King didn’t add Tursi’s to the name until 1983, when Bob and Amy Tursi bought the restaurant. Jim and Rose Pigneri originally opened Latin King in 1947. Never fear. The two families both hailed from Terravecchia, Italy, before immigrating to the United States.

Order up dishes served family-style including the Tursi's for the King with a 16-ounce New York strip or Tursi’s for the Queen with a beef tenderloin. Everything comes with pasta with sauce. Go authentic Italian with the chicken spiedini, pepper steak with garlic mashed potatoes or pasta with homemade meatballs. And much of Latin King's produce is grown on the property.

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